National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) Session: Benefits of Neuropsychological Evaluations: From Cognitive Screening to Comprehensive Assessments

Abstract

Clinical neuropsychology focuses on the evaluation and treatment of brain-based disorders using well validated tests and methodologies. Neuropsychologists work in a variety of medical settings and frequently work within integrated interdisciplinary teams. Individual neuropsychological evaluations focus on the assessment of cognitive functioning across a variety of domains and typically include assessment of emotional and neurobehavioral status and functional abilities. These evaluations can be comprehensive or highly focused and are often utilized to aid in differential diagnosis, treatment planning, discharge planning, determination of functional capacities, and determination of potential barriers to treatment compliance. Neuropsychological testing is also the gold standard for assessing cognition in clinical trials and determination of medication efficacy where cognition is the target of treatment. Finally, neuropsychological testing, in combination with genetic markers and imaging, aids with diagnostic distinctions. Neuropsychologists are also involved in treatment of patients with brain-based disorders through the provision of psychotherapy, creation of behavioral modification plans, cognitive rehabilitation, and valuable psychoeducation to patients and their families. This workshop will describe the best ways to utilize neuropsychological services and will describe the types of referral questions that can be addressed with neuropsychological evaluations. Given the ever-present pressure to provide time and cost-effective services, computerized cognitive screening programs are growing in popularity. The pros and cons of these tools versus more comprehensive assessments will be discussed.